A motor rider who snatched a phone from a female student at Lashibi, Accra met his match when the student held him tightly by his shirt until both of them ended the struggle in a gutter nearby.

Her bravery drew the attention of some bystanders who went to her rescue and apprehended the suspect.

Mustapha Mohammed, 20, pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery when he appeared before an Accra Circuit Court and was accordingly sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Prior to the sentencing, Mohammed begged the court for leniency, saying: “Please, have mercy. Please I won’t do it again.”

His plea caused a stir in the courtroom but the trial judge, Mr Aboagye Tandoh, calmly responded: “Your way of exhibiting remorse is so exciting that it can even touch God’s heart.”

Mohammed was said to have attacked and robbed the 18-year-old student of her mobile phone valued at GH¢650 at Lashibi in Accra.

In passing judgement, the court took into consideration his demonstration of remorse and also the five days already spent in custody.

The victim is said to have held on to Mohammed when he tried escaping on a motorbike, leading to his arrest. The trial judge said: “The act of the complainant was legendary but highly not recommendable as life is more precious.”

Prosecuting, Superintendent of Police Kweku Bempah told the court tha in February 21, 2018 at about 7:30 p.m, the complainant was returning home from lectures and on reaching the Vivian Farm Junction, Mohammed, who was riding an unregistered motorbike, suddenly snatched her mobile phone and attempted to speed off.

Unfortunately for Mohammed, the complainant quickly held his shirt and started shouting for help. In his attempt to escape, the convict dragged his victim with him as he sped away on the motorbike and they both fell into a gutter.

“This drew people’s attention to the scene and quickly they rushed to rescue the complainant and chased the convict,” the prosecutor said.

He said Mohammed was taken to the Sakumono Police Station where a report was made and he was subsequently arrested.